by Dolores Hamilton
Annexation of the 2.174-acre tract of land located on the access road of U.S. Hwy. 287 near North Victoria was approved by the city council Monday night.

“This is the final action for the annexation of the property that will be the site for Electra Hospital District’s new clinic,” City Manager Mike Price told the council.

The annexation will be sent to the U.S. Justice Department’s Voting Rights Section for approval.

The council also approved the re-zoning of a tract of land, now owned by the city and leased to S-5! Manufacturing, from General Commercial to Heavy Industrial.

“We’re still on target to close on the Wal-Mart property and sell it to S-5! on Aug. 30,” Price said.

David Owen, the city’s Economic Development Director, told the council that in S-5!’s initial agreement with the city to receive tax abatement, they would maintain 10 full time jobs that paid $25,000 a year or $6,250 per quarter. “At this time they have 12 employees that meet that criteria,” he said.

The re-plat of several blocks in the Texas Addition, site of the former Barbour pipe yard now owned by the City of Iowa Park, was approved. The property was re-platted into two tracts.

Price said the city has a request to sell a portion of the property, and there is a bid opening next week. He said the prospective business, if they are the highest bidder, needs a little over two acres.

A 30-day extension was given to the owner of a house at 900 S. Colorado that was ordered by the council to be abated. The owner is hoping to sell the property to an adjoining landowner who has agreed to dispose of the structure.

Chad Witherspoon was appointed to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. He will replace Herman Daymude who has resigned.

At the beginning of the meeting, two lifeguards at the city’s swimming pool and spray park were recognized by the council members.

Lifeguards Corey Williams and Bryan Bowles aided in saving the life of an 18-month-old child at the pool on July 12.